There are a lot of cliché sayings in the world… Having heard so many of them, I've begun to lose sight of any meaning behind them.

I’ve been struggling with a lot more than just my weight or my motivation in the gym for the last year, and if I can’t write it out here, what is the purpose of this blog? What is the purpose of having this forum of expression and ability to share things with people who might be feeling lost/scared or any of the similar emotions I am?

“It’s not you, it’s me.”

Blue is not (traditionally) my color. There have been other factors that have led to my decreasing motivation for the gym and eating proper, and this has cast a light on how important a positive support system is. Not only do they remind you who you are when you’ve forgotten, they most DEFINITELY remind you of why moving forward can be daunting, but with one step at a time, it’s possible.

“I just need to work on myself right now.”

That's what this whole thing is about - working on yourself, making yourself the best version to move with positivity and growth in this life. Oh man, how after-school special do I sound right now?

I think the single most influential aspect of health and fitness is having people that are for you just as much as you are. If you don't have people that cheer you on, you might lose the will or the fighting drive after some time.

I call it having an "accountabili-buddy"

I have been dabbling in this blogging world for roughly seven months now, and I've learned a few things. I've been networking and trying to promote this little project of mine, and have gained a couple special connections with fellow bloggers. One of which is an online and in-person fitness trainer named Christian Scott.

"I need someone who challenges me"

This Oklahoma City woman can do it all - not only is she an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, she is a Zumba instructor, fitness blogger and mother! I know how busy I am, and can't even imagine her schedule. Since connecting with her, I wanted to try out her program, and she gave me a schedule of work outs over the course of four weeks, in preparation for my ten year reunion. She checked in with me over the course of those four weeks, and kept me accountable - exactly what I needed! Her program is mostly HIIT (high-intensity interval training) moves, varying from 40 seconds of work with 20 seconds rest sets with kettle bells, ab work and weight lifting mixed in - the best way to maximize the fat loss while keeping your heart rate in it's best zone.

I had 3 planned workouts per week, with an additional 2 days of my own planning, making it a total of 5 days of activity per week. As long as I was active for 30 minutes on those 'rest' days, then I could choose whatever activity I wanted to do outside of her plan. I have to say, I don't think I've EVER sweat that much during a 30-minute workout... I felt like I'd walked out of the shower with how drenched I was! At my last check in I found that in my month of her program

I've lost two inches to my waist and three to my hips!

Check out her website HERE for other plans and pricing - my one month work out was valued at $65/month - SUCH a deal! Right now, she's got a sale going on from November 24th (Thanksgiving) until the 27th for 50% off ALL online training! Check it out HERE - no code required! You can get the same deal I had for half price!

Follow her HERE on Instagram too - she always posts great shots of her clothing, Zumba classes, or motivational quotes. It's a good deal her responsibility that I've been getting back in action these past six weeks! It's made me re-evaluate why I've slowed.

I miss my gym-buddy!

Doctors and fitness minded individuals alike state that teammates or coaches, or simply friends who say 'good job!' are pivotal in the success of your journey. I know, I know - everyone calls this a journey (I've seen that word so many times, I think it's starting to look misspelled)! But it's true! I read a quote from an article that reminded me of a time when I was my most motivated self, and it was all the power of having a gym buddy!

“In my 10 years of experience evaluating what creates long-term health-and-fitness success, the single most important factor is having a support system,” says Wayne Andersen, MD. Exercise partners provide a powerful combination of support, accountability, motivation and, in some cases, healthy competition. “They can play the role of teammate, co-coach and cheerleader — all while working out,” says Michelle P. Maidenberg, PhD." - Strength in Numbers: The Importance of Fitness Buddies

So wait - WHY DOES IT WORK?

Habit Reliability

Exercise habits of people you know have a positive influence on your exercise habits. IF they have the same habits, or similar goals to your own. If your accountabili-buddy is at a radically different level of health, fitness or ability, you could be held back, pushed too hard or - worst case - injured. “Having a reliable workout buddy increases your chances of sticking with your program,” says Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD. Pushing yourself beyond your perceived mental ability is tough if you're alone in the gym, and it's also difficult to increase your weight without a spotter to keep you progressing.

Emotional benefits

Kara Thom, coauthor of Hot (Sweaty) Mamas: Five Secrets to Life as a Fit Mom, says that “during a workout, more than our pores open up. We find ourselves connecting with our workout buddies more intimately than we might if we were just meeting over coffee. Workout partners not only get us through a challenging workout, but can help us through life challenges as well.”

The more people you have actively engaged in supporting your fitness efforts the more likely you all are to enjoy the process as well as the results.

No-friggin-wonder I've been lagging lately (aside from poor choices in diet slowing me down)! I have a boyfriend who doesn't find fitness as important as I do - and that's perfectly okay, I just need to get into my habit again and find an accountabili-buddy again (Kasey, I miss you!).

Searching for answers about how to start healthy eating habits, gaining perspective, and fitness motivation? Are you just starting out or simply trying to move past their current fitness plateau? Learn more...

*Disclaimer* All content is subjective, and at the discretion of the reader. None of the content here is fact, merely one personal individual's experience and all expressed opinions are just that - opinion.The Soaring Swine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com·